Connectivity of Streams and Wetlands to Downstream Waters
Connectivity of Streams and Wetlands to Downstream Waters

Author: United States. Environmental Protection Agency. National Center for Environmental Assessment

Publisher:

Published: 2015-02-20

Total Pages: 408

ISBN-13: 9781457866388

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This report reviews more than 1,200 peer-reviewed publications and summarizes current scientific understanding about the connectivity and mechanisms by which streams and wetlands, singly or in aggregate, affect the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of downstream waters. It focuses on surface and shallow subsurface connections by which small or temporary streams, nontidal wetlands, and open waters affect larger waters such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and estuaries. This report represents the state-of-the-science on the connectivity and isolation of waters in the U.S. Scientific literature unequivocally demonstrates that streams, regardless of their size or frequency of flow, are connected to downstream waters and strongly influence their function. Figures. This is a print on demand report.

Compensating for Wetland Losses Under the Clean Water Act
Compensating for Wetland Losses Under the Clean Water Act

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2001-11-06

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 0309133025

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Recognizing the importance of wetland protection, the Bush administration in 1988 endorsed the goal of "no net loss" of wetlands. Specifically, it directed that filling of wetlands should be avoided, and minimized when it cannot be avoided. When filling is permitted, compensatory mitigation must be undertaken; that is, wetlands must be restored, created, enhanced, and, in exceptional cases, preserved, to replace the permitted loss of wetland area and function, such as water quality improvement within the watershed. After more than a dozen years, the national commitment to "no net loss" of wetlands has been evaluated. This new book explores the adequacy of science and technology for replacing wetland function and the effectiveness of the federal program of compensatory mitigation in accomplishing the nation's goal of clean water. It examines the regulatory framework for permitting wetland filling and requiring mitigation, compares the mitigation institutions that are in use, and addresses the problems that agencies face in ensuring sustainability of mitigated wetlands over the long term. Gleaning lessons from the mixed results of mitigation efforts to date, the book offers 10 practical guidelines for establishing and monitoring mitigated wetlands. It also recommends that federal, state, and local agencies undertake specific institutional reforms. This book will be important to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the "no net loss" issue: policy makers, regulators, environmental scientists, educators, and wetland advocates.

Strategies for Defining Chemical Connectivity Between Streams and Wetlands
Strategies for Defining Chemical Connectivity Between Streams and Wetlands

Author: John Brito

Publisher:

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 191

ISBN-13:

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Methods for characterizing wetland-to-stream chemical connectivity were developed to help regulators define jurisdiction and wetland managers prioritize their use of resources. Chemical connectivity here is based on historic stream water quality found using publically available databases and analyzed in a Geographic Information System (GIS). Although stream data was readily available, wetland data was not abundant. Interpolation methods were therefore developed using observed water quality data points in streams and projecting them to adjacent wetlands. The different interpolation methods were compared using their root mean square error (RMSE) and local polynomial interpolation (LPI) for chloride data and Universal Kriging for specific conductance data was found to typically yield the best results. To also address the lack of actual wetland water quality data a relative site suitability analysis approach using GIS was developed to determine monitoring locations for generating additional data. The key environmental variables identified that relate to connectivity and potential health of the wetlands include hydrology and land use. In additional to conservative water quality parameters, the idea of measuring fluorescence-based excitation and emission matrix (EEM) is introduced. This is a rapid assessment source tracking tool for identifying the natural organic matter (NOM) in different waters. EEM trends through two drinking water treatment plants demonstrate the consistency of the EEM signature and shows that only the more aggressive chemical activities cause notable changes.

Review of the New York City Watershed Protection Program
Review of the New York City Watershed Protection Program

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2020-12-04

Total Pages: 423

ISBN-13: 0309679702

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New York City's municipal water supply system provides about 1 billion gallons of drinking water a day to over 8.5 million people in New York City and about 1 million people living in nearby Westchester, Putnam, Ulster, and Orange counties. The combined water supply system includes 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes with a total storage capacity of approximately 580 billion gallons. The city's Watershed Protection Program is intended to maintain and enhance the high quality of these surface water sources. Review of the New York City Watershed Protection Program assesses the efficacy and future of New York City's watershed management activities. The report identifies program areas that may require future change or action, including continued efforts to address turbidity and responding to changes in reservoir water quality as a result of climate change.